Every month, XSENSOR's Sports Performance Science Contributor, Antonio Robustelli, MSc, CSCS (Sports Performance Scientist & Technologist with OmniAthlete Performance Concept), will offer his take on essential and recommended reading, research, and review for plantar pressure applications using gait analysis for athletes.
Be sure to tune in to get the abstracts, summaries, and key takeaways or read the full studies at your own pace.
Research Title: Comparison of Ankle Force, Mobility, Flexibility, and Plantar Pressure Values in Athletes According to Foot Posture Index
Authors: Kalender H., Uzuner K., Simsek D., Bayram I.
Journal: Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Publication Year: 2022
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to compare ankle force, mobility, flexibility, and plantar pressure distribution of athletes according to foot posture index (FPI).
Patients and Methods: Between September 2016 and May 2018, a total of 70 volunteer male athletes (mean age: 21.14±2.28 years; range, 18 to 25 years) were included. The athletes were divided into three groups according to their FPI as follows: having supinated feet (Group 1, n=16), neutral/normal feet (Group 2, n=36), or pronated feet (Group 3, n=18). Ankle range of motion (RoM), muscle flexibility, ankle joint strength, and plantar pressure distribution were measured.
Results: There were significant differences among the three groups in both right and left ankle dorsiflexion RoM (p=0.009 and p=0.003, respectively). Group 1 had significantly smaller dorsiflexion RoM than the other groups. Group 1 also showed significantly less flexibility in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles than the other foot posture groups. Groups 2 and 3 exhibited significant differences in the maximum torque (p=0.018), maximum work (p=0.008), and total work (p=0.008) of the right plantar flexor muscles at 60°/sec angular velocity. Peak pressure measurements of the right foot were higher in Group 1, compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The results of this study may help to enhance athletic performance by providing a guide for designing training programs appropriate for athletes with different foot types to address their specific muscle flexibility and strength deficiencies.
Why the Study Is Relevant
This cross-sectional study aimed to compare different lower body kinetics (force, pressure) and neuromuscular (flexibility, mobility) parameters according to three different foot types (supinated, neutral, and pronated).
While the study investigates an interesting topic as it relates to sport performance, it does not take into account the chaotic nature of sport and the fact that static measurements do not always translate into dynamic movements occurring in the field. Future investigations involving dynamic plantar assessments would give a more detailed insight into athletic performance and foot function.
Summary
The foot is one of the most complex and important parts of the body, being the only point of contact between the body and the ground. This study shows that different foot postures are associated with specific characteristics of ankle RoM, gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, peak pressure distribution and strength of plantar flexor, invertor and evertor muscles.
Key Takeaways
- Ankle dorsiflexion RoM as well as gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility are significantly less in supinated feet than normal and pronated feet.
- Supinated feet show higher peak pressures in the whole foot during static standing.
- Static plantar peak pressure may increase with an increase in foot tissue stiffness.
Research Title: Quantitative Analysis of Foot Plantar Pressure during Walking
Authors: Jasiewicz B., Klimiec E., Mlotek M., Guzdek P., Duda S., Adamczyk J., Potaczek T., Piekarski J., Kolaszczynski G.
Journal: Medical Science Monitor
Publication Year: 2019
Abstract
Background: There are many methods of dynamic analysis of foot loading, however, we still need a simple, easily applicable system for foot plantar pressure analysis. In this study we asked the question: “Can a new system for foot evaluation, the ITE system, provide a good quantitative dynamic foot pressure analysis”? Can it be used in clinical practice?”.
Material/Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers, 8 females and 12 males, aged 20 to 25 years old took part in this study. Normal static foot loading was tested using a typical pedobarographic platform, followed by a dynamic analysis using the foot-pressure ITE system. A new algorithm for data analysis (from 8 sensors) was proposed.
Results: The sum of all maximal values from sensors was 11.71 N mean, with relatively low standard deviation (SD) of 1.81. Loading of sensor 1 (heel) was the highest – on average 29.84%. Sensor 2 (medial midfoot) received the lowest loading – normal range for this segment would be 0-4%. The manner of loading heel/toes, dynamics of changes in loading during gait was quite diverse; when analyzing courses of changes on sensors, 4 gait patterns were observed.
Conclusions: Use of the ITE system creates a new possibility for dynamic foot evaluation, drawing for pedobarography and methods of gait analysis. The proposed data analysis algorithm is simple and can be applied in all cases. Normally, 30% of the sum of all pressures during stance phase falls on the rearfoot; 39% falls on forefoot.
Why the Study Is Relevant
This study aimed to contribute to the discussion about the implementation of foot pressure mapping in clinical practice to evaluate gait biomechanics from a quantitative point of view. The study is missing some key elements that would affect the results of the research in both the design (inclusion/exclusion criteria, population) and methods (no mention about the frequency and resolution of the sensors, no mention on the type of shoes being worn, no mention about procedure of other testing such as arch evaluation, etc.).
Summary
Dynamic evaluation of the foot is fundamental to translate what you see in static loading into dynamic movements. The need of a plantar pressure measurement system with sensorized insoles to measure dynamic foot loading directly into the shoes is key to analyze gait and to detect abnormal foot biomechanics.
Key Takeaways
- Plantar pressure analysis systems by the mean of pressure insoles create new possibilities for dynamic foot evaluation.
- In-shoe plantar pressure analysis systems are an easy way to assess foot and lower extremity biomechanics out of the lab.
Research Title: Backward vs. Forward Gait Symmetry Analysis Based on Plantar Pressure Mapping
Authors: Daniluk A., Hadamus A., Ludwicki M., Zagrodny B.
Journal: Symmetry
Publication Year: 2022
Abstract
Background: Symmetry is one of the factors analysed in normal and pathological gaits. Backward gait is an area of interest to scientists, in terms of its physiology and therapeutic possibilities. This study aimed to analyse the symmetry of the pressure parameters of backward gait in comparison to forward gait using different symmetry indices. Eighty-one healthy people aged between 19 and 84 years took part in the study. Foot pressure distribution was analysed during forward and backward gaits at self-selected speeds. Mean and maximum pressure values were calculated after dividing the foot into four or ten areas. Delta, Ratio Index, Robinson Index, Gait Asymmetry, and Symmetry Angle were calculated for each area, separately for both forward and backward gaits. Higher ratios of asymmetry were found during backward than during forward gait. Larger ratios of asymmetry were found within toes II–V, forefoot, metatarsals I, II, and III, medial and lateral heel areas. No significant correlation between symmetry indices and age or BMI was found. Results suggested that the lower symmetry of backward gait is caused by a higher number of corrective movements that allow for the maintenance of body balance and global symmetry of gait. This can be realised by increased cortical control of the backward gait, which was a new movement task for all participants.
Why the Study Is Relevant
The study aimed to investigate the lateral symmetrical patterns in pressure distribution during backward and forward gait tasks. This very interesting paper focuses on one of the most important parameters in gait evaluation (i.e. symmetry) as it relates to forward and backward gait, providing a novel insight into foot pressure dynamics within different gait tasks.
Summary
Symmetry is one of the key parameters to discriminate between normal and pathological gait function. The study shows higher asymmetries during backward gait than during forward gait, probably due to the increased cortical control of the backward gait, which was a new movement task to all participants.
Key Takeaways
- Asymmetry during gait increases as soon as involvement of cortical control increases, occurring mainly when a new movement task is integrated.
- Plantar pressure mapping can help in evaluation of asymmetry during gait, providing information about recovery, rehabilitation, and potential risk of injury and occurrence of pain.